Do you know the six healing sounds of chi kung?

The “six healing sounds” (“gu yin liu zi jue”) belong to the tradition of Chinese medicine and were especially studied and disseminated by the physician Sun Si Miao in the 6th century.

“Gu yin liu zi jue” can be translated as “the ancient secret of the six voices” and they are part of the methods that make up chikung, the discipline of exercises, breaths and meditations that allow activating or moving chi, the vital energy that maintains balance in the body.

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), each of the sounds corresponds to an organ or body system, with an element or energy of nature, with a direction of chi and with one of the meridians or channels through which this energy circulates in the body.

It must be remembered that in Chinese medicine the organ concept is not limited to the viscera, just as Western medicine does, but it serves to describe functions or processes governed by a type of energy that acts in the organism.

The practice of the six healing sounds It is a general support for health. It consists of adopting different postures and movements, which are accompanied by the emission of a specific sound, a resonance that balances the movement of vital energy. It is also a meditative practice that allows you to stop and connect with the body.

The objective is to improve the functioning of the main organs and systems of the body, which produces greater physical, emotional and mental well-being, since each organ is related to an emotion. In general, the six sounds promote relaxation and a state of calm and physical well-being.

How the session is done

The six sounds are emitted in the musical note do (around 250 MHz), with a soft volume and a natural intensity. The series of six sounds can be made with the accompaniment of chi kung movements or in a static way. static form, we will sit on a chair or on the floor, with a straight spine. The palms rest on top of the thighs or knees. The shoulders are also low and relaxed. At the beginning of the exercise, attention is focused on breathing, always through the nose, with a slow and regular rhythm, and trying to relax the whole body. As we breathe in, we bring our attention to the organ of the corresponding sound. The lips and tongue are placed in the appropriate positions to emit the sound correctly so that it acts on a specific organ. The attitude remains relaxed. When exhaling through the mouth we emit the sound with a duration that will be at least twice as long as the inspiration and the time it takes to empty the lungs will be maintained, without forcing it. Each sound can be repeat 6 times.

1. “xu” sound

This sound, which actually sounds like “shiiii…”, acts on the wood element and the liver.

With the right arm parallel to the ground, the trunk turns to the left. The left arm is stretched and turned to the right. The upper and lower teeth are parallel and the tongue is kept in the middle of the mouth. It is exhaled through the teeth. The lips outline a slight smile and the eyes open wide.

Since the emotion that is linked to the liver is anger, by balancing the chi of the liver bitterness and resentment are reduced.

It also serves to care for the eyes, which, according to TCM, are “the door to the liver”, and to relieve headaches and migraines.

The exercise can be completed by visualizing the color green, associated with the liver.

2. “he” sound

It sounds like “haaa…o” and acts on the heart, whose element is fire and the associated emotion, excessive joy, euphoria.

The back of the tongue touches the teeth. The lips are parted and the air comes out between the tongue and the palate.

By balancing the chi of the heart restlessness, insomnia, palpitations, as well as emotions such as jealousy and envy.

The heart is associated with the tongue and with the color red, which we can visualize with our eyes closed while making the sound.

3. “huh” sound

We pronounce the sound “juuu…o” that resonates in the spleen, dominated by the earth element, and allows us to relieve obsessions and worries.

The sides of the tongue curve upwards and the exhalation is somewhat guttural, coming from the throat. The lips narrow to a round opening.

Also helps to improve digestive problems because, in Chinese medicine, the spleen is essential for extracting energy from food.

On the other hand, the spleen is associated with the lips, the mouth, and the color yellow.

4. “yes” sound

It sounds like “tzeee…” and acts on the lungs, related to the metal element and sadness. Therefore this sound strengthens the lung and improves mood. It is indicated when suffering from asthma or cough.

The upper and lower teeth are parallel and leave a narrow space between them. The tip of the tongue rests on the back of the lower teeth. It is exhaled through the teeth while the lips draw a soft smile. A nasal resonance occurs.

The lung is associated with the nose and with the color white. Working lung energy can produce a deep feeling of happiness.

5. “Choo” sound

We pronounce the sound “chueee…” to improve kidney function, governed by the water element and related to the emotion of fear.

The tongue is pulled back and the lips are tense, separating the corners. It is exhaled from the throat through the sides of the tongue and between the lips that maintain tension.

Kidney energy is very important for the body, so by boosting it we can feel better at all levels.

Exercise is indicated when suffering kidney or bladder problems and also fights anxiety and fear.

The kidney is associated with the ear and the color black.

6. Sound “xi”

We emit the sound “yes…” and in doing so we act on the organ called “triple heater”, which refers to functions that involve several organs and its main functions are to regulate the flow of liquids and energy, as well as the generation of heat.

Bring the upper and lower teeth closer without touching each other. The tip of the tongue touches the lower teeth. Outline a smile and exhale from the area of ​​the back teeth.

To learn to perform the exercises and make the sounds correctly, it is necessary to learn them from a qualified teacher. On the other hand, the “6 healing sounds” They cannot replace any medical treatment. In the face of any health problem, it is necessary to obtain a correct diagnosis. Chinese medicine treatments can offer additional help.